We arrive into CDG next week and want to head to Brussels for three days then back to Paris. It looks like there are two options: 1. The TGV train goes directly from CDG to Brussels, and then take the Thalys back to Paris from Brussels. 2. Take the RER train from CDG into Paris and then purchase a round trip ticket for a Thalys train to Brussels. There are more options for the Thalys train, and I assume the Round trip fare is cheaper, but that involves a train from the airport into Paris. Any thoughts? Also, should we book in advance, or just buy tickets when we get there? Thanks!
Posted by
London, United Kingdom
4684 posts
Depends on whether the times are convenient and what fares you can find. The RER does at least go directly to Gare du Nord, from where you can get the Thalys to Brussels. Returns on French/Belgian rail are not much cheaper than two singles, and at times you may find two singles cheaper if the cheapest return fares have sold out. You will spend a significantly smaller amount of money if you book your long-distance rail tickets in advance. They are usually put on sale 90 days before the travel date. However, the problem with doing this for the journey from CDG to Brussels is that the cheaper fares are strictly limited to a single train. If you miss it because the flight is delayed or the immigration slow you will have to buy a second full-fare ticket.
Posted by
Minneapolis, MN, USA
8700 posts
There are no return (roundtrip) special fares. You will need to book single tickets each way. I checked the SNCF site and, unfortunately, you've waited too long to get advance purchase discount fare tickets for a CDG-Brussels TGV for any day next week. The standard 2nd class fare is €75. The standard 2nd class fare for either Paris-Brussels or Brussels-Paris on a Thalys train is €90. According to the Thalys site, the cheap Smoove fares are gone, but there still are some €66 Optiway fares available for certain departure times on various dates. If you wait until you get to Paris or Brussels to buy tickets, you'll certainly have to pay full fare. I suggest that you take a TGV from CDG to Brussels. Since you can't count on your plane arriving on time, buy your tickets when you get to CDG. Book your Brussels-Paris Thalys tickets NOW at thalys.com.